Have any of you guys been to Big Cypress National Preserve? Me and a couple friends are strongly considering going down there and trying it out. Looks like we'd have to get way off the road and rough camp. I asked a guy for advice and was basically told I couldn't kill a bird out there.. I like proving people wrong

Zach Phillips wrote:Have any of you guys been to Big Cypress National Preserve? Me and a couple friends are strongly considering going down there and trying it out. Looks like we'd have to get way off the road and rough camp. I asked a guy for advice and was basically told I couldn't kill a bird out there.. I like proving people wrong

Zach,

I have never been there but I have a friend who has twice....he said it is an absolute zoo down there. He said just when you thought you were far enough away from everyone another truck or ATV would show up. Some guys he was with did kill a bird though...they were taking a nap one afternoon and one gobbled right next to the campground and they were able to get him killed.

I've been once. We went in off of Aligator Alley. Be prepared to do ALOT OF WALKING!! It was beautiful but we never heard a bird where we were. Did find couger tracks though!!! If you have one of those swamp buggies then your set!!

Zach Phillips wrote:Have any of you guys been to Big Cypress National Preserve? Me and a couple friends are strongly considering going down there and trying it out. Looks like we'd have to get way off the road and rough camp. I asked a guy for advice and was basically told I couldn't kill a bird out there.. I like proving people wrong

Okay, here goes alot of assuming and we all know what happens when you assume but the evidence is overwhelming.

I am going to assume that you are the same Zach that sent me the pm on GON probing for information. I am also going to assume that I and "the guy" that told you you couldn't kill a turkey there. Okay... if either or both of these are false disregard the following.

First, in no way, shape, form or fashion did I say you couldn't kill a turkey in Cypress. I'm living proof that an out of stater with access to nothing more than a pair of boots can do it in there, I have several times now. So you don't have to plague yourself with attempting to prove anyone wrong- I wish you the very very best of luck and would never wish any red blooded turkey hunter any different. You must understand what you are expecting of people though, I looked at your profile before replying, you have 8 posts. . . 8. Thats an immediate red flag, but despite that fact I still offered up some information. The information that I provided may not seem like much, but I would have absolutely LOVED to have had someone tell me those things before I struck out for the Everglades for the first time. It would have saved me a ton of time, money and energy. You also said you have access to private property, I strongly suggested you not snub that property because the terrain and crowds in South Florida on the opener can result in a very unsatisfactory experience after you've dropped all that $$ on license, lodging and travel expense. You wont find many people that hunt Cypress and you'll find even fewer that with talk about it. So I apologize for you thinking I was rude or unhelpful but I would strongly suggest you reconsider and examine the information I provided, free of charge. . . for you at least. Best of Luck with the Osceolas.

I hear alot of stories about the public land in Florida that make it sound like you've got to want a bird really bad to go that route...I know some guys that live there that seem to do okay but even they have a lease in Alabama to avoid the onslaught...don't mean this as dig on Florida but it just sounds like with everyone getting caught up in the Slam thing that Florida ain't for sissies

I realize some may have limited options and if you live there you take what you can get but outside of spending to hunt private land....it sure seems like it would be easier to spend your money and time in other places...less crowded that Big Cypress

Zack ,I grew-up in Opa-locka ,have hunted that area as a kid ,with my dad (35-40 yrs ago ) It was mad crazy back then,so i can only Imagen what it is now . I still go back every year to photograph the birds (Not Turkeys) and mostly head to shark valley ,and Anhinga Trail ,"They are safe "...lol Take a good amount of insect repellent ,and trust no-one !

Cove, I am the same one from Gon. However you are not the one that said I couldn't do it. I have called atleast 10 people and messaged 15 or so. I like getting as much info on a place as possible before I drive that far and spend that much money. I also know people that have lodges inside the preserve. One of which we will be staying with. He guides air boat tours and is a bass fishing guide there. Agian I just like knowing as much as possible before I go. It is true that I have several connections that could put me on a bird. We have decided to hunt cypress for the experience and challenge. I don't "expect" anyone to help me out or give me magical info. I'm going for a week and am not scared to put in the foot work to find them... and I will. I appreciate the information you gave me but honestly would not have given a flyin gorrila if you would have told me it sucks and I'm wasting my time. Thats why I talk to as many people as possible.